Swim the Door 05

The First Big One

In 2005 Digger was to reach a “significant” age so (for no good reason) he thought it would be nice to get 40 people to “Swim the Door” during his birthday week*.

When?

Swims were held daily between 4th and 12th June 2005. The intention was to “STD” at 11am everyday. Unfortunately the recovery process from the “night before” led to some “swims” being considerably late in the afternoon so apologies to anyone who missed us. Saturday 11th was the “Big One” i.e the main World Record attempt*

Where did people come from?

Swimmers flew in specially from the continent (Christiane), the Scilly Isles (Mark and Helen), the Far East (Chris and Sandra) and even Austrailia (due to difficulties with her visa, like she doesn’t have one, “Swimming Lizzy” was able to attend the event).

STD05 Awards

Best Suppliers of Champagne

Champagne in ice…

Lorraine, Julia and Russell

CLICK HERE for all you ever wanted to know about self-photography

Best Attempt at Drowning

Rolfe

In rough conditions on the first Saturday Rolfe changed his mind about going through The Door and swam back against the current. On reaching Rolfe Digger observed “he was on his back and very very white, but he was floating and I know he was probably ok”

Longest Time to Get in the Water

Zoe

The time of 3 hours and 20 minutes to get into a swimming position in the sea is an “official” world record.

Most Casual Swimming Technique

Graham

Floating on ones back occasionally kicking ones legs is not a technique used in the Olympics (yet!!)

Swimmers: Digger, Mike T, Neil, Chris, Sandra B, Christiane, Zoe, Roger, Lizzy, Dave S, Helen, Mark P, Ron, Rog, Johnny C, Pete, Graham, David G, Rosemary W, Bethany W, Joscelin W (who aged 13 becomes the youngest person ever to STD05 without a lifejacket), Matt S, Catherine, Alison and Pamela. Unfortunately Carol did not make it through The Door on this occasion, but she did lead the pack of inflatable animals for a while (probably in an attempt to get warm!).

The congo of STD05 swimmers is led towards The Door by a group of inflatable animals. (Photo by Julian Fells)

Blimey, they have done it…………….. (Photo by Julian Fells)

Sunday 12th June – The One for People who Didn’t Want to Leave

Attendees: Digger, Christiane, Dave S, Wendy, Ron, Rog, Johnny C,

Swimmers: Digger, Christiane, Dave S, Rog and Johnny C. Unfortunately although Wendy did get in the water she was 100m short of The Door.

Following the huge success of the event (STD05), Swim the Door has been repeated every year since. Pages celebrating those swims are available from the Swim the Door menu above.

*Important Disclaimer

Every effort has been made in the preparation of this document to provide as accurate information as possible. All statements and opinions are offered in good faith. The author cannot accept any responsibility for errors resulting from data supplied by a third party or the influence of alcohol or even the onset of old age. Therefore the author will not be liable for any loss of life or injury (however hideous) arising from decisions or actions made upon the basis of this document.

NOTE: Seriously now, like all open water swimming and life in general, there are dangers involved in this activity. If you are not an experenced and confident swimmer use to sea water conditions in Britain you would be stupid to try to STD.

Durdle Door is a natural sea arch in Dorset. Every year a party of like-minded individual get together for the weekend to swim through this impressive place. This year's dates are likely to be 8th - 10th June 2018.